Contemplate this: the Presbyterian Church of the Master began with families seeking a church home. These families lived in the Coon Rapids area. They gathered names and requested a survey from the Presbytery. It all started in July 1960.
The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches granted a comity allocation. The Presbytery bought a six-acre site in November 1960. Reverend Jerome V. Lofgren became the organizing minister. They held meetings and formed a steering committee.
The first worship service occurred at Coon Rapids Junior High. Now, it is the middle school. Twenty-nine adults attended. Fifty-five children and thirty infants were also there. Services continued at the junior high through March 1961.
The Presbyterian Church of the Master officially organized March 26, 1961. There were 154 charter members. The first Easter service took place April 2, 1961. It was held at Northdale Elementary School. Now, it is Sorteberg Elementary School. Services continued there until the church building was ready. Reverend Jerome V. Lofgren was installed as the first pastor May 21, 1961.
Architect McEnary and Krafft’s designs were approved in June 1961. C. W. Borreson Construction Company got the contract. The groundbreaking happened September 17, 1961. The cornerstone laying ceremony took place March 4, 1962. The first service in the new building was March 4, 1962. The formal dedication was September 23, 1962. The mortgage burning ceremony was in January 1980.
Reverend Lofgren resigned in 1965. Reverend Ronald L. McDuffie became the second pastor. He served for over 15 years starting January 23, 1966. Reverend Frank Goodlake served as interim pastor. This was from March 1981 to June 1982. Reverend David R. Bruneau became the third pastor July 1, 1982. He served until July 29, 1999. Several interim pastors followed. They were Rev. Okokun Udo, Rev. Robert Cuthill, Rev. Ernest Cuttings and Rev. LeRoy Haynes.
Reverend David R. Bierschwale became the fourth pastor February 16, 2001. He served until November 1, 2009. Pastor Richard Townsend-Anderson then served as interim pastor. He started March 16, 2010 and remained until September 16, 2012. Pastor John, the fifth pastor, officially began October 9, 2012.
Over the years, many improvements occurred. Folding chairs were replaced by pews. Bethlehem Presbyterian loaned these pews. Pews were received from Andrew-Riverside Presbyterian Church in 1971. The church acquired its first organ in 1972. Long Lake Presbyterian Church provided it. A newer organ was purchased in 1994. It came from the Congregational Church in Three Lakes, WI. Calvary Presbyterian gifted the first church sign in 1965. Kitchen cupboards were added in 1981. The kitchen was renovated in 2002. The sanctuary roof was remodeled in 1983.
A new education and fellowship hall opened in September 1990. These rooms accommodated the growing Sunday School. Air conditioning was installed at the same time. A new sound booth was built in 1997. The education wing was remodeled in the late 90s. New doors were donated. A new piano was purchased in 2001. A memorial park bench and stained glass plaque were also given.
An outdoor worship site was constructed in 1999. It was remodeled in 2012. A Garden Club was organized in 2001. It beautified the flowerbeds. A lighted message sign was added in 2002. A volleyball court was constructed.
Another expansion started in 2006 and was dedicated in September 2008. This gave the Presbyterian Church of the Master a new lobby and office space. The fellowship halls and sanctuary were enlarged. A new youth room and adult Sunday School rooms were added. The Presbyterian Church of the Master also added handicap restrooms. The parking lot was enlarged and resurfaced. A new roof was installed. This new facility is enjoyed by the congregation and community.
Today, the Presbyterian Church of the Master has over 243 members. It is known for its heart for missions and youth. The church affiliated with the Confessing Church Movement. This movement emphasizes important teachings of the church. The Presbyterian Church of the Master is a welcoming community. Its mission is to grow in Christ and serve the world.